Eliot Engel: “So fortunately on this point, Congress retains the power of the purse, so we will have the last word on this issue.”

I introduced the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act several years ago as a response to what we saw in this room.

I particularly want to thank Chairman Engel for his leadership, as well as the whole committee, for making the Caesar Act a reality.

The citizens of the Western Balkans want a better future for their children, stronger and transparent democracy, accountable governments, and greater economic prosperity and security.

This legislation could go a long way toward putting Burma back on the path toward democracy.